Metra, he said, will absorb the transaction fee cost, estimated at $3 million to $4 million a year.

The CTA and many other transit agencies already accept credit and debit cards at fare-vending machines.

The action by Metra was welcomed by riders, many of whom have complained that while the trains were reliable and generally on time, customer service lagged.

Connie Weissman of Arlington Heights said she was excited to not have to carry a checkbook or "a wad of cash" to buy a pass.

"We need to make our transit system as public-friendly as we can," Weissman said. "For Metra to not even have considered this before, you have to wonder, what century are they living in?"

Metra officials also said they are planning additional high-tech changes. These include installing ticket machines or kiosks at unstaffed stations; allowing passengers to print their own tickets on home computers; upgrading Metra's antiquated Web site, which dates to 1995; and sending service alerts directly to customers' mobile phones. No timetable was offered for these improvements.

The commuter line's board of directors approved contracts totaling $8.3 million for technology and accounting system upgrades.

Monthly passes can run from $39.40 to $217.35, depending on distance. Metra averages more than 7 million monthly riders, about 63 percent of whom buy monthly passes. An additional 22 percent buy 10-ride tickets.

State Sen. Michael Bond (D-Grayslake), who had scolded Metra for the technology lag, welcomed the decision.